Parks, Presidents and Parks

History of Iran - Part 2

Part 2 of the Iran history series, covering Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian empire

Howard TanzmanApril 10, 2026 Comment

History of Iran - Part 1

Part 1 of Iran history series, covering Elamites and the Medes

Howard TanzmanApril 9, 2026 Comment

History of Iran - Introduction

The current situation in the Middle East has focused attention on Iran — a country whose history rivals that of any on earth, stretching back over 5,000 years and encompassing 29 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Howard TanzmanApril 7, 2026Comment

To the Victor Goes the Spoils - Part 5

The final part of this series covers the passage of the landmark Pendleton Civil Service Act.

Howard TanzmanMarch 23, 2026 Comments

To the Victor Goes the Spoils - Part 4

Part 4 of this series covers the assassination of President Garfield and how it led to Civil Service Reform

Howard TanzmanMarch 11, 2026 Comment

To the Victor Goes the Spoils - Part 3

Part 3 of this series covers President Rutherford B. Hayes roll in initiating Civil Service Reform

Howard TanzmanFebruary 18, 2026Comment

To the Victor Goes the Spoils - Part 2

Part 2 of this series covers the scandals under President Grant creating public pressure for reform.

Howard TanzmanFebruary 8, 2026 Comment

To the Victor Goes the Spoils - Part 1

This multi-part series covers the history of patronage and Civil Service reform in the Federal Government

Howard TanzmanJanuary 26, 2026 Comment

Posse Comitatus

The 1878 Posse Comitatus prevents the use of the military as a domestic police force. Nonetheless, the military has frequently been involved in local affairs.

Howard TanzmanSeptember 6, 2025 Comment

Undeclared Wars - Part I

The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war. However, from its earliest days, the United States has been involved in military actions without a formal declaration of war.

Howard TanzmanJuly 20, 2025Comment

Decoration Day

Decoration Day, now Memorial Day, started in response to the immense number of Civil War casualties.

Howard TanzmanMay 24, 2025Potpourri, Holidays Comments

Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798

The current administration has used the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to support deportation of Venezuelan gang members. This Act dates back to 1798.

Howard TanzmanMay 14, 2025 Comment

Tariff of Abominations

Tariff controversies are not new. The ‘Tariff of Abominations’ was one of the most controversial in our history.

Howard TanzmanMarch 16, 2025Comment

President Carter and Craft Beer

There is a wide range of opinions regarding President Carter ranging from glowing to disparaging. But one aspect is indisputable – his role in the craft beer industry.

Howard TanzmanJanuary 18, 2025 Comment

Suppose They Gave a War and No-one Came – The WWI Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve, 1914, a World War I truce soldiers started a Christmas Truce spontaneously.

Howard TanzmanDecember 25, 2024Potpourri, Military Comments

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